FCTA Director, Others Arrested Over Alleged Land Fraud in Abuja

The Nigerian Police have arrested Mr. Joseph Eriki, Director of Investigation and Prosecution at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), over serious allegations involving land forgery, criminal conspiracy, and trespassing. His arrest follows an order issued by an Abuja High Court.

Eriki was arrested alongside Mr. Boniface Agwu, both of whom are key defendants in a case filed by the Federal Government. The two were picked up in the Federal Capital Territory after failing to appear in court despite multiple summons. They are now in police custody and will remain there until their scheduled arraignment on October 30, 2025.

The case, being handled by Justice Suleiman Belgore of the FCT High Court in Garki, involves a 9-count charge related to alleged illegal occupation of plots of land—specifically Plots 461–470 and 486–496—belonging to Etha Ventures. The prosecution claims the accused unlawfully entered the land, erected structures, and attempted to claim ownership through fraudulent means.

According to the lead prosecutor, David Kaswe, the accused forged legal documents and obtained a questionable consent judgment under suit number FCT/HC/CV/240/2018, which falsely transferred ownership of the disputed land to Super Structures Limited, one of the companies linked to the suspects.

Others named in the charge include:

Ikechukwu Kanu

Donatec Electrical Company Ltd

Super Structure Ltd

Weatherfield Engineering

Marine Service Ltd

Asher Information Services Ltd

Prince Isaac Omoluwa

Nwaimoneye Augustine Onyisi

Sarajo Aliyu

Ogbole Michael

While some of the accused are still at large, the court had earlier issued a bench warrant on May 27 after repeated failure of the defendants to show up for arraignment.

Despite previous assurances from their legal team that they would appear, the court has stood firm, stressing the seriousness of the allegations and the need to ensure justice is served.

This high-profile case highlights ongoing concerns about land fraud and abuse of power in Abuja. With the arrest now made, all eyes will be on the October court proceedings to see how the legal drama unfolds.